Sesuvium (portulacastrum)
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Kim Martz and Forest Starr Biologists USDI USFWS - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge,1082 Makepono St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 http://www.ggnpa.org |
| Family Scientific Name: | Aizoaceae | ||
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| Family Common Name: | Ice Plant Family | ||
| Scientific Name: | Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L. | ||
| Common Synonym: | Portulaca portulacastrum L. | ||
| Common Name: | `Akulikuli | ||
| Species Code: | SESPOR | ||
| Ecotype: | Midway Atoll | ||
| General Distribution: |
Indigenous to Hawai'i. Pantropical in distribution. In Hawai'i, 'akulikuli can be found in coastal habitats on Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Lisianski, Laysan, Necker, Midway Atoll, and all of the main islands. It grows well on rocky shores, sea cliffs, and in salt marshes, and is one of the most salt-tolerant of the littoral species; it grows in and dominates wave-splashed or saline habitats, where few other species can survive. |
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| Propagation Goal: | plants | ||
| Propagation Method: | vegetative | ||
| ProductType: | Container (plug) | ||
| Stock Type: | 3.5 in containerized cutting | ||
| Time To Grow: | 6 Months | ||
| Target Specifications: | Height: N/A<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm root plug in container.<br> | ||
| Propagule Collection: |
For collection of native plants to propagate by cuttings, you will need: gloves, clippers, zip-lock or plastic garbage bag for collection, and some water. Collect plants from the site, taking care to take only what you need. Collect from areas that have a large enough population so that damage will be minimal. Gently pull or cut strands of plants from main patch. Place in trash bag or plastic bag. Add a small amount of water to bag and store in a dry, cool, shady area. |
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| Propagule Processing: | Cuttings can be stored overnight, but immediate propagation following collection is best. | ||
| Pre-Planting Treatments: |
Work in a shady area once back in the nursery. Use clean 3 «" pots arranged in tray. Use well drained potting mix. Fill pots about 1/3 full. Cut plants into desired lengths, at least 3 nodes per strand. No rooting hormone is needed. Survival rate is close to 100%. Fill the rest of the pot with potting mix. Water daily. Cuttings need to be kept in a moist humid environment. In the nursery, this can be achieved by misting plants several times during the day to keep them moist. |
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| Growing Area Preparation/ Annual Practices for Perennial Crops: |
The nursery's irrigation system is comprised of sprinkler heads which are manually operated. The sprinklers are misters and should be maintained so that they flow freely. Potted plants are watered daily, either in the morning or the evening. Potting media is Sunshine Mix potting soil, and is used in a 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 (v:v) potting soil to sand ratio. Diseases and insects are controlled by removing them manually off plants, sticky traps or using a solution of soapy water. Be sure to rinse soapy solution off plants after a few hours. Row covers physically prevent insects and birds from landing on plants. |
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| Establishment Phase: | Plants will form roots in 2 to 3 weeks. | ||
| Length of Establishment Phase: | 2 month | ||
| Length of Active Growth Phase: | 4 months | ||
| Other Comments: |
. `Akulikuli can also be propagated directly to out-planting site by the direct stick method. This method works best in irrigated areas. 'Akulikuli can be propagated from seeds, however, cuttings are much quicker. Pests and Diseases: Canaries and other pests such as beetles are suspected to nibble on 'akulikuli. It is best to keep the nursery screened in and free of pests. Otherwise, use row covers to keep pests off plants. |
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| References: |
Bornhorst, H. L. 1996. Growing native Hawaiian plants, a how-to guide for the gardener. The Bess Press, Inc., Hong Kong. Bruegmann, M. M. 1998. Report on a botanical survey of Midway Atoll, April 1-7, 1995. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Christophersen, E. and E. L. Caum. 1931. Vascular Plants of the Leeward Island. Hawai'i. Bernice P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 81, Tanager Expedition Publication Number 7, Honolulu. Lilleeng-Rosenberger, K. date unknown. Propagation techniques for native Hawaiian plants. National Tropical Botanical Garden. Morin, M. and S. Conant. 1998. Laysan Island ecosystem restoration plan. University of Hawai'i. Neal, M. C. 1965. In gardens of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press, special publication 50, Honolulu. Wagner, W. L., D. R. Herbst, S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i, 2 vols. Bishop Museum Special Publication 83, Honolulu. Whistler, W. A. 1992. Flowers of the Pacific island seashore. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. |
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Citation:
Martz, Kim; Starr, Forest. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L. plants 3.5 in containerized cutting; USDI USFWS - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Honolulu, Hawaii. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/01). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
